John Nowacky
Krafton, the gaming publisher behind PUBG: Battlegrounds, has made a significant acquisition by obtaining Tango Gameworks and its popular game, Hi-Fi Rush. This move comes after Microsoft’s plans to shut down Tango Gameworks, which caused concern among the gaming community.
The South Korean publisher announced the acquisition on Monday, expressing its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for the Tango Gameworks team. Krafton is working closely with Xbox to facilitate this transition, allowing the team to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and explore potential future projects.
The closure of Tango Gameworks was met with criticism as Hi-Fi Rush had garnered accolades during the 2023-2024 awards season. However, the acquisition by Krafton brings relief to both the developers and enthusiastic fans of the game. This positive outcome mirrors the recent independence of Toys For Bob, another developer that left Microsoft/Activision earlier this year.
While the details of the deal have not been disclosed, Krafton assures that the acquisition will not affect the availability of Tango Gameworks’ existing game catalog. Gamers can look forward to fresh and exciting experiences from the Tango Gameworks team as Krafton provides continuous support.
With this acquisition, Krafton may also have the opportunity to explore the potential release of a rumored Nintendo Switch port for Hi-Fi Rush. Additionally, fans may anticipate sequels to the game in the future.
This acquisition by Krafton demonstrates both its commitment to fostering innovative gaming experiences and its recognition of the value presented by Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi Rush. As fans eagerly await further developments, it is clear that the gaming community remains at the forefront of Krafton’s strategy.
Additional facts:
1. Tango Gameworks is a Japanese video game developer based in Tokyo. It was founded in 2010 by renowned game director Shinji Mikami, known for his work on the Resident Evil series.
2. Hi-Fi Rush is a popular rhythm game developed by Tango Gameworks. It combines fast-paced gameplay with a diverse selection of music from various genres.
3. Krafton, formerly known as Bluehole Inc., is a leading South Korean video game holding company. It was founded in 2007 and is known for developing and publishing the highly successful battle royale game PUBG: Battlegrounds.
4. Krafton’s acquisition of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi Rush showcases its expansion strategy and efforts to diversify its gaming portfolio.
5. The closure of Tango Gameworks by Microsoft raised concerns among the gaming community due to the potential discontinuation of Hi-Fi Rush and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the development team.
6. Krafton’s acquisition provides a lifeline for Tango Gameworks, ensuring the continuity of the Hi-Fi Rush IP and offering support for the team to explore new projects.
Important questions and answers:
1. What led to Microsoft’s decision to shut down Tango Gameworks?
– The reasons behind Microsoft’s decision to close Tango Gameworks have not been disclosed.
2. How will Krafton ensure a smooth transition for the Tango Gameworks team?
– Krafton has expressed its commitment to working closely with Xbox to facilitate the transition of the Tango Gameworks team, ensuring their stability and providing necessary support.
Key challenges or controversies:
1. The closure of Tango Gameworks by Microsoft created concerns and uncertainty among the gaming community, as Hi-Fi Rush had gained recognition during the awards season.
2. The details of the acquisition deal between Krafton and Tango Gameworks have not been disclosed, leaving some room for speculation or potential controversy.
Advantages:
1. The acquisition by Krafton provides a positive outcome for Tango Gameworks and its team, allowing them to continue developing the Hi-Fi Rush IP and potentially explore new projects.
2. Krafton’s support and resources can help Tango Gameworks expand and innovate within the gaming industry.
Disadvantages:
1. The acquisition may lead to changes in Tango Gameworks’ creative direction and decision-making processes, which could potentially impact the future of their game development.
